The Land of Promised Time

Ferry goers look onto the island of Ikaria, Greece as the boat approaches land early morning of April 28, 2013. The ferry leaves a few times a week from Athens and depending on winds and sea currents, takes between 8 and 10 hours. In recent years, Ikaria has received a lot of attention for it's lifestyle which has been said to result in it's residents being two to three times more likely than their counterparts on other islands and countries to live past the age of 90.

Olive trees. Ikaria, Greece.

Karavostamo is a small village on the island of Ikaria and is home to around 485 residents. The village is unlike most others on the island in that it sits off of the sea. Most villages on the island are hidden up in the mountains and behind trees because of the pirates that used to plague the island.

Christoforos Tsantes was born in 1920 and lives in the upper village of Karavostamos in Ikaria, Greece. At 93 years old Tsantes remains active and mobile and still lives on his own taking care mostly of himself with a bit of help from one of his sons. Tsantes has outlived two of his children.

Elias Giannirs embraces Popi Kalampogia showing excitement after speaking on the phone to Kalampogia's son. Giannirs had just stopped by while walking through the neighborhood. It's common and very acceptable within Greek culture to make such unannounced visits. During a visit it is customary for the homeowner to offer whatever sweet has recently been made and a Greek coffee and it's considered impolite to not take what is offered.

A fish hangs in the kitchen after it was caught earlier in the morning. Researchers say that the Mediterranean diet that locals live off of is one of the reasons for their longevity. A typical diet of an Ikarian is low in meat, high in vegetables, consists of lots of fresh olive oil and also local greens including an herb that makes a mountain tea that is said to have many natural antioxidants that tie into the explanation of longevity on the island.

Avgetta Pavlous was born in 1925. At 87 years old she spend about 3-4 hours a day working in her flower and vegetable garden. She lives on her own and frequently has visitors and family members in the village who stop by to see her.

Children light candles in the church of Karovostamo,Greece at Easter Mass on May 4, 2013. At the midnight service all lights are extinguished and church is lit only by the Eternal Flame on the altar. When the clock passes midnight, the Priest calls out "Christos Anesti" (Christ is risen), and the children pass the flame through the church and courtyard.

A small child runs outside of the church in Karovostamo, Greece on the island of Ikaria on Easter Mass on May 3, 2013. Ikaria has become well known in recent years after being discovered as a Blue Zone, it's inhabitants are being found to be three to four times more likely to live over the age of 90 than their American counterparts.

Roula Fouskas spoon-feeds Elias Fox a modified recipe of Mayiritsa at dinner on the day before easter. The traditional recipe of the soup is made out of the leftovers of the goat or goat that will be eaten the next day. This typically includes the liver and intestines of the animal. It is traditionally eaten after the Easter service and is meant to ease the body into food after the 40 days of fasting that have occurred before the meal.

Ikaria, Greece 2013.

People dance at the panagiri celebration in Agios Isiodoros. The panagiris are typically held in the summer months and act as fundraisers. The feature dancing, food and lots of socializing and can often last almost 24 hours.

Nikos Fountouiis was born in 1917. At 96 years old his body is slowing down and he currently lives with his sons. His mind is still tack sharp and he enjoys telling stories from his past. Having fought through two wars in his lifetime, he still says that right now is the hardest time of his life, as he hates that his body is slowing down.

Zach Fox and his friend Atoni play alongside the seaside in Karavostamo, Greece on the island of Ikaria. Because the town is small and everybody watches out for everybody, It's not uncommon for children to wander without their parents.

Rhea Fox closes her eyes while leaning against a window to count for a children's game she was playing with friends.